Wetumpka is a city in and the county seat of Elmore County, Alabama, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 6,528. In 2019, the estimated population was 7,233.
Wetumpka is an historic community situated on the banks of the Coosa River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The earliest peoples in the area were part of the Creek Nation, who had settled along the Coosa’s banks. Later, many European settlers set up farms and plantations in the area.
In the early 19th century, the Creek Cessions, part of the Indian Removal Act, brought white settlers to the area. The towns of Wetumpka and Coosada were both established around this time. The states of Alabama and Georgia border Wetumpka and Elmore County.
Wetumpka was incorporated as a city in 1834, and named after the Wetumpka Creek. The city became the Elmore County seat in 1866. The Coosa River and Alabama River (which form just outside Wetumpka) were key in the development of the town, but the city was also known for its brick making industry.
Today, Wetumpka is a vibrant community that is known for its strong sense of community, culture, and history. The town is the home of The Jasmine Hill Gardens and Outdoor Museum, as well as Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson State Historic Site. The town also hosts the annual Wetumpka Crater Day each June, celebrating its rich geological history.
1. Wetumpka is part of the ancient Creek Nation’s ancestral home. Numerous artifacts and archeological sites from the Creek Indians have been discovered in Wetumpka and its surroundings.
2. Wetumpka was considered for the state capital of Alabama, but was ultimately passed up in favor of Montgomery in 1846 due to its close proximity to the Alabama River.
3. Wetumpka is home to the tallest dam in the State of Alabama. The Robert F. Henry Lock and Dam, constructed in the 1940’s, is a gravity dam with a total drop of 90 feet.
4. Wetumpka is home to the nation’s oldest continually operating bookstore, Hale’s Book Store. William Hale founded the store in 1871 and it has been in continuous operation since then.
5. Wetumpka is home to the Hickory Ground Indian Park, which is over 800 acres in size. The park contains a museum and sacred ceremonial grounds of the Creek Nation, and is open to the public for tours.
Wetumpka, Alabama is best known for its rich Native American history and its lovely downtown. It is also famous for the historic Wetumpka Impact Crater, the site of a huge meteorite strike over 83 million years ago. It is one of the few visible impact craters in the United States and is a popular destination for geologists. It is also the location of the Coosa River and the Coosa Chiefdom, a powerful and prosperous chiefdom of Native Americans.
Wetumpka, AL is a city located along the banks of the Coosa River in Elmore County. The city is known as the ‘Gem of the Coosa’ because of its unique combination of history, outdoor activities, and recreation. The city is home to historical attractions like the Wetumpka Meteor Crater and the Coosa River Industrial Site, and has several outdoor adventures like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and hiking. The city also has several restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. Wetumpka is a great place to visit for anyone who is looking for a fun and unique experience in Alabama.
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